In Honor of National Truffle Fest . . . a Truffle Overview!

February 15, 2012

Croatia just One of Several Locales where Truffles Grow

A fungus which grows underground and is prized for its aromatic qualities and taste, the truffle grows in shady soil at the base of hazelnut, elm, oak and poplar trees. Professional hunters use highly-trained dogs or pigs to sniff out and dig up these culinary treasures. Italy and France are known for truffles, but these prizes are also available in Spain, Croatia, Sweden, the UK, the US, Chile, Australia, New Zealand, and Tasmania.

One of the World's Most Expensive Foods: The Truffle

Truffles vie with saffron as the most expensive food in the world. Aromatic winter black truffles are also called “Périgord" or “The Black Diamond of Provence.” They're typically harvested from November to March, peaking in January and February. There are also summer blacks, winter whites and summer whites.

Truffles are Sold by the Pound

Truffles are sold by weight. Their enormous price is reflective of the expertise required in finding them, as well as the difficulty of the task. Winter black truffles can cost anywhere from $700-$3000 per pound.

Chocolate Truffles - A Similar Look, a Shared Name . . . and a surprising bond

Chocolate truffles are a popular sweet treat which share their shape with the truffle found underground. The taste of the pungent black winter truffle was once described as a mix of 'chocolate and earth.' Its smell . . . far less appealing to many. Veer away from chocolate and into fungus and see if your own palate says yea or nay.

Truffles are Kept Under Glass to keep Moisture Out

It's critical to store truffles correctly. Their aroma can quickly take over a refrigerator, and moisture is the enemy. Do NOT clean your truffles until you're ready to cook with them. Wrap in an absorbent cloth, and store in your vegetable drawer or the back of the fridge. Another option: a glass jar, or a jar filled with rice, to keep your truffles dry, and to abosrb moisture (the rice will make a killer risotto later).

Truffle Shavings on Pasta

A longtime travel journalist, Libby chose her beautiful city after a nationwide search for a new hometown. Greenville's amazing downtown, four mild seasons, varied terrain, friendly residents and countless nearby waterfalls made it a winner.

Libby previously spent 20 years in Florida, what she calls “the only place in the world where you drive north to reach the South.”

An avid college football fan, Libby has deep ties to the University of Oklahoma but graduated from rival Texas. She’s lived in Austin, Boston, Nashville, San Francisco and Captiva Island, Florida, including 4 happy years on a houseboat.